WC Georgia News

A new collaboration between the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) and the Rollins Center for Language & Literacy has led to the development of the Georgia Literacy Academy, providing more than 125 district and school leaders with research-supported literacy practices, according to the GaDOE. A similar program in Marietta City Schools led to better literacy outcomes in students. The initiative aims to advance literacy levels across the state by aligning education strategies with scientific research.

This new partnership aims to bolster foundational reading skills in students statewide. According to a press release by the department of education, State School Superintendent Richard Woods stated: "It is our fundamental responsibility to ensure students learn to read, and then – for the rest of their lives – can read to learn. This partnership will strengthen early literacy instruction for students across the state of Georgia."

Through this partnership, multiple educational institutions are set to benefit from intensive coaching on research-based teaching methodologies. According to a press release by the department of education, ten school districts and three charter schools will form a literacy leadership cohort, focusing on aligning professional learning, coaching, and teaching practices to the science of reading through structured literacy. Participating districts and charters include Colquitt, Dooly, Grady, Lowndes, Muscogee, Pelham, Seminole, Thomas, Valdosta, International Academy of Smyrna, The Kindezi Schools, and ZEST Preparatory Academy. Additionally, the Georgia Literacy Academy—a partnership between the Rollins Center and GaDOE—will offer free K-5 courses statewide.

The initiative's training components also meet critical regulatory standards for early literary instruction in Georgia. According to a press release by the department of education, the GaDOE/Rollins Center training aligns with Georgia's Early Literacy Act (HB 538) and state dyslexia regulations (SB 48).

The Rollins Center brings to this partnership extensive experience in enhancing literacy practices through educational empowerment. According to a press release by the department of education, the Rollins Center, part of the Atlanta Speech School, specializes in educating educators, system leaders, families, and advocates on brain development, language, and literacy sciences. Its Cox Campus provides accredited coursework and community resources online for educators, families, and healthcare providers—all free of charge.

Leaders involved in the initiative echo a shared vision for overcoming geographic disparities in Georgia's educational outcomes. According to a press release by the department of education, Dr. Ryan Lee-James, Chief Academic Officer of the Atlanta Speech School and Director of the Rollins Center, stated: "When Governor Kemp first took office, he committed to ensuring that no Georgian’s potential is determined by their ZIP code or their county. Local and state organizations have been dedicated to changing outcomes for Georgia’s children for years—backed by philanthropic organizations investing in that future—and experts refining practices based on what scientists have learned about how we read. Now we have legislators demanding action. Educators will now have what they need to impact their classrooms: scientifically proven practices and unwavering support from their districts."

This focus on improving literacy rates has received legislative backing as well. According to a WUGA report, Governor Brian Kemp and the General Assembly have focused on Georgia's literacy rates, enacting two bills—"the science of reading" and "structured literacy"—emphasizing phonics, reading comprehension, and vocabulary within literacy instruction.